The National Association of Schools of Music was founded in 1924 for the purpose of securing a better understanding among institutions of higher education engaged in work in music; of establishing a more uniform method of granting credit; and of setting minimum standards for the granting of degrees and other credentials. It is incorporated in the State of Ohio as a not-for-profit organization. The work of the Association during its early years was financed largely by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. In November of 1975, representatives of member institutions ratified proposals creating a category of membership for non-degree-granting institutions. The National Association of Schools of Music has been designated by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation throughout the United States of free-standing institutions, and units offering music and music-related programs (both degree- and non-degreegranting), including those offered via distance education. The Association is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors. NASM maintains a formal consultative relationship with the Association Européenne des Conservatoires. NASM is a constituent member of the American Council on Education. In the field of teacher education, the Association cooperates with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The services of the Association are available to all types of degree-granting institutions in higher education and to non-degree-granting institutions offering pre-professional programs or general music training programs. Membership in the Association is on a voluntary basis.